THE HOTEL: Park Inn Heathrow, Bath Road, Heathrow, UB7 0DU. It is one of some 16 hotels in the immediate vicinity of – and the closest to – Terminals 1, 2 and 3. Take the H2 Hoppa bus – the Park Inn is the first stop and the fare is £4 each way. The modern hotel has 881 rooms, the last of which will have been completely refurbished this spring.
THE CHECK-IN: Arriving mid-evening, I joined a queue of four people in front of one recep-tionist but, as if by magic, two more quickly appeared. Check-in was friendly and efficient and the person I was planning to meet was immediately informed of my arrival.
THE ROOM: The Executive room had views across to the runway but has triple glazing so is completely silent. It was equipped with a large double bed, sofa and armchair, small desk and flat-screen TV. The vestibule has a wardrobe – with trouser press – plus tea and coffee-making equipment. The large bathroom has both a bath and a shower and is stocked with Molton Brown toiletries.
THE BUSINESS: There are 24 purpose-built syndicate rooms with natural daylight, plus 19 conference and meeting rooms.
THE FACILITIES: A leisure club includes sauna and solarium, fitness centre, Jacuzzi and an indoor heated swimming pool, which is free of charge for hotel guests.
THE RESTAURANT: Bravo Bravo is the hotel’s main restaurant and bar – and it becomes a lively venue late at night. Full English breakfast is served from 06.00 and costs £18.00. An evening buffet is £19.95. A la carte is also available. The Pulse café, deli and bar in the lobby is another option, and 24-hour room service is also on offer.
THE VERDICT: An efficient yet friendly airport hotel which is an ideal venue for pre- or post-flight accommodation and also for business meetings and conferences. Rooms are comfortable and there is zero noise pollution from the airport.
THE DETAILS: Part of the Rezidor group, rates at the Park Inn Heathrow are from £220 (excluding VAT) for a standard room, with a £30 supplement for a ‘business friendly room’ and a £130 supplement for a suite. Rates exclude breakfast but weekend deals include the first meal of the day. Tel: 020 8759 6611; see: www.heathrow.parkinn.co.uk Alan Orbell
